TR3evo

TR3evo Fixie, a custom build from Handsling Bikes for a TT aficionado.

David Welling is a cyclist of ‘mature’ years, but like many older riders doesn’t see age as a reason to slow down! David is a keen club time-triallist, something he has been doing for over fifty years. In search of a return to his beginnings as a ‘tester’, David wanted to race on a fixed-wheel bike. This was common back in the 60s, when souplesse, rather than watts was the focus. So the search was on to find a modern fixed-wheel TT bike. That search ended with the Handsling TR3evo.

However, getting to the TR3evo wasn’t a straightforward journey. After many dead ends, eventually his search led him to the doors of Handsling Bikes in leafy Hampshire. Handsling are a small, but well known bike manufacturer who design their own road, gravel, TT and track bikes. They’re well known for their build quality and customisation options when it comes to buying a bike. While you can buy a ready to ride bike, Handsling also allow you to choose your components and colour. This is because all their bikes are painted and assembled in their workshop.

If you can imagine it…

After speaking with Handsling’s owner, it was decided that David’s dream could be realised. Handsling chose their TR3evo, a UCI approved track frame that has raced – and been victorious – at National and Continental level. While the TR3evo is designed to handle the rough and tumble of track racing, riding on the road would require one major change; brakes.

Track bikes don’t have brakes, you slow down by applying pressure against the pedals. Fine on the track where there aren’t sharp corners, descents or goats crossing in front of you! Head out on the public roads and you will need at least a front brake; in fact that is the minimum according to UK law. However the TR3evo wasn’t designed to have a front brake. That would have been the end for David’s dream, but as I said Handsling are known for their customisation and customer service.

Problem solving

Handsling’s owner is an ex-racer himself and knows how single-minded cyclists can be. So rather than simply saying no he looked at what was available. The solution was straightforward when you design your own frames and you know what will and won’t work. Handsling had been working on a version of the TR3evo to be used in fixed-wheel crits. While the project is temporarily on hold, it meant they had a fork that would accept a front calliper; problem solved.

Next was the issue of taking advantage of the TR3evo’s aero frame. David needed a set of aero-bars that would allow him to get into an efficient position. Handsling designed a set of custom-made carbon handlebars with dual pillars to mount TT extensions. That’s taking customisation to another level.

Enduo Track drive-train

Now that they had a frame and fork that would work on the road, it was time to put the bike together. Handsling’s customisation allows customers to pick and choose their equipment, handy when building a one-off bike like this. Perhaps the most interesting choice is the the Enduo Track chainring and sprocket. This unusual drive-train uses an unique tooth layout that allows the chain rollers to stay in contact while under load. According to Enduo this development has created the fastest single-speed drivetrain on the planet.

Sarah Askari, of Enduo said: “We take pride in our Enduo Track sprocket and chainrings being integrated into Handsling’s custom-built bikes. It’s a privilege to collaborate with a brand that shares our commitment to innovation and excellence in the cycling technology.” 

Simon Whiten, Managing Director of Handsling, said: “Building highly customised bikes is in Handsling’s DNA. For this project, we had no hesitation in choosing the Enduo Track drivetrain to provide our customer with the best possible performance.”

Other components on the bike include, Miche Primato Air crank arms, Parcours Chrono rim brake carbon wheels, Vittoria Corsa tyres, a Selle Italia Watt saddle, and a Shimano Dura-Ace brakeset. For the gear-nerds out there, David is running a gear of around 84-94″. To his surprise, David says his times have been comparable to riding his geared Colnago TT bike. And he says it’s a lot more fun riding at a higher cadence and smoothing out the pedalling stroke.

David has the last word on his TR3evo Fixie

“I bloody love it! Handsling have created a machine that is proving a real talking point at races.” Given the success of introducing road bikes as a category in time trials, David now dreams of fixed wheel racing being the next big thing, again!

Take a look at Handsling Bikes and see if the answer to your dreams is in a Hampshire workshop.